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Magnetohydrodynamic shocks in diffuse clouds. III. The line of sight toward Zeta Ophiuchi

Journal Article · · Astrophys. J.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/164694· OSTI ID:6643001
Multifluid C-type shock models are presented for the gas on the line of sight toward Zeta Oph and compared with observational data. A shock model of a 9 km/s-shock propagating into diffuse molecular gas with n(H) of 20/cm, and H/sub 2//H of 3 is in good agreement with the observed column density and radial velocity of the CH(+) and is consistent with observational limits of column densities of the OH and CH. The preferred shock model predicts that a large fraction of the J = 3-5 H/sub 2/ on this line of sight is due to collisional excitation in the shock-heated gas. The dominant molecular component present on this line of sight is interpreted as shock-compressed material behind the shock front. It is considered to be likely that the shock wave is driven by the pressure of the Zeta Oph H II region. 53 references.
Research Organization:
Princeton Univ. Observatory, NJ
OSTI ID:
6643001
Journal Information:
Astrophys. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J.; (United States) Vol. 310; ISSN ASJOA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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